Omar, Jaitley discuss peace, growth in J-K

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and defence minister Arun Jaitley here on Saturday discussed peace, security and development in the Valley.

In a one-to-one meeting that lasted for about an hour, the two leaders discussed in detail the security scenario prevailing in the state.

According to a government spokesman, the leaders also discussed the prevailing situation on the Line of Control (LoC) and borders.

Matters related to the state government’s pre paredness to conduct Amarnath yatra smoothly also came up for discussion at the meeting.

The chief minister shared with Jaitley, who is also the union finance minister, certain critical financial matters relating to the development plan of Jammu and Kashmir.

Aspects regarding skill development initiatives taken by the state government also came up for the discussion, said a government spokesman.

The fact that the two leaders who were engaged in the war of words during the Lok Sabha elections met in a cordial atmosphere — was also acknowledged by the chief minister on microblogging site Twitter — “Had a very productive meeting with Arun Jaitley in Srinagar this (Saturday) afternoon.

Discussed matters related to both defence and finance with him.”

The defence minister arrived in Srinagar on his two-day maiden visit and was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff Gen Bikram Singh.

On his arrival, Jaitley was received by Lt Gen DS Hooda, Northern Army Commander, and Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, Chinar Corps Commander.

He visited Headquarters of Chinar Corps, where he was given a comprehensive briefing on the overall security situation in the Valley, including The Counter Infiltration grid along the LoC and Counter Terrorism Grid in the hinterland.

Later in the day, the defence minister called upon J&K governor NN Vohra.

On 15 June 2014, the defence minister is scheduled to visit the forward areas along the LoC, where he will be interacting with commanders and troops.

He is also scheduled to attend a special security review meeting in Srinagar.